Flow as a metastable brain state: evidence from EEG microstates, entropy-based complexity, and electromagnetic modulation

Abstract

Flow is an optimal state of consciousness characterized by deep absorption, effortless control, and intrinsic reward, yet it’s neurophysiological mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This thesis integrates psychological theory, electrophysiology, and electromagnetic field (EMF) models of brain function to conceptualize flow as a metastable neural state emerging from dynamic coordination across large-scale brain networks. Theoretical chapters synthesize research on flow phenomenology, transient hypofrontality, neural synchronization, neural complexity, and electromagnetic theories of consciousness, proposing that flow reflects a critical balance between neural integration and flexibility that may be influenced by endogenous and exogenous electromagnetic dynamics. First, a neurophenomenological investigation examined the relationship between subjective flow and temporal complexity in brain activity, using electroencephalography (EEG) microstate entropy during a structured video game task. Results indicated that higher absorption and automaticity were associated with increased long-time-scale entropy, while short-time-scale entropy differentiated high-flow experiences from moderate and low-flow states, suggesting that flow is marked by nuanced modulation of neural complexity rather than uniform changes. Second, a neuromodulation study examined the effects of physiologically patterned, electromagnetic fields on flow experience and neural organization during task engagement. Results indicated that exposure to patterned EMFs produced measurable differences in electrophysiological activity and flow-related measures, relative to control conditions. The findings lend support to the plausibility of electromagnetic modulation as a mechanism capable of biasing brain states toward configurations associated with the flow state. Together, these findings support a view of flow as a metastable brain state characterized by efficient, flexible neural coordination that can be both measured through entropy-based indices and influenced through targeted electromagnetic stimulation. This work advances the neurophenomenology of flow and highlights entropy and EMF-based approaches as promising tools for investigating and modulating optimal cognitive states.